Early Childhood Journal

Introduction
This journal assignment will help you reflect on guidance strategies seen in your practicum placement. Remember guidance strategies should guide children to become self-disciplined and be able to function by the rules of our society.

The Assignment

Complete the Reflective Journal assignment using the topic assigned.

The journal must be a minimum of 3 paragraphs, each paragraph must be a minimum of 10 sentences in length.

The first paragraph should contain a description of the event, activity, or interaction that pertains to the topic.  Be specific and detailed to give a clear understanding of the event, activity or interaction you have selected.

The second paragraph should contain one NAEYC Sub-Standard (ex. 4b) from the standard summary document that is attached to the assignment.  You should reflect upon how this sub-standard is applicable/appropriate to the first paragraph.  Give detailed information that relates the NAEYC sub-standard you selected to the event, activity, or interaction from the first paragraph.

The third paragraph is your chance to reflect on the event, activity, or interaction. As you reflect, think about what you learned, what could have been done better or differently, or what went exceptionally well.  Perhaps this will cause you to change your practice with children and families.  Remember this is your chance to respond honestly and think about your role as an early childhood professional. How have you grown as a professional? These are all suggested to help you reflect, it is not necessary to include all the suggestions in your reflective paragraph.

Journal Topic

Think about involving families.  What methods are used in your classroom to involve families in the programs, and are they effective? How will you involve families in your lesson plans?  What methods are used to resolve conflicts between families and the program?